Richard William Kendrick, Jr.

8/14/1956 - 11/13/2024

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Obituary For Richard William Kendrick, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard W. Kendrick, Jr. announce his passing on November 13, 2024 in Tracy, CA. Richard was 68 years old. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Linda Monica Kendrick, sister Kathleen (Kendrick) Moran, Brother in law, Ron, sister in law Tere, nieces and nephews Leanne, Aaron and Jason Cutler and Shannon Greathouse.

Born to Richard W. Kendrick and Margaret Kendrick on August 14, 1956 in Castro Valley, CA. The Kendrick family moved to the Mission San Jose District of Fremont when Richard was two. At age 12 Richard began to play guitar. He would play all day and take his guitar with him wherever he went. He continued his love of learning and sought out the best teachers and mentors he could find on this journey. He excelled at rock and blues playing. At age 20, he became intrigued with jazz, a love which he continued to pursue and master. He attended Ohlone College, then California State University, East Bay, studying classical guitar. There he earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Music (performance emphasis/Classical guitar). He found much joy and inspiration in sharing his knowledge with others. Richard loved teaching and dedicated his life to music and teaching others to play guitar. He served as part-time instructor at Ohlone College and continued there as adjunct faculty for 20 years. In 1997, he founded the Mission San Jose School of Guitar, which has been in operation continuously since that time. During those years, he has inspired and encouraged countless people to pursue their love of music and guitar. Let us remember that love and dedication and carry it with us in our hearts so that it may live on forever.

A Funeral Mass is set for Thursday, December 5, 3pm at Old Mission San Jose Church, 43300 Mission Blvd. in Fremont. A burial will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo the following day.

Services

5 Dec

Viewing

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Mission San Jose Church 43300 Mission Boulevard Fremont, CA 94539 Get Directions »
5 Dec

Funeral Mass

03:00 PM

Mission San Jose Church 43300 Mission Boulevard Fremont, CA 94539 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 07/25/2025

    I was going through old emails from my time at Ohlone College and came across a thread between Richard and I from 2017. I felt the urge to reply, eight years later, just to thank him again. I've spent the last hour on his YouTube channel, listening to his Havana Dream album, only to discover, with deep sadness, that he has since passed. I regret not responding to him sooner. His music still brings me comfort; his melodies come back to me like muscle memory, even after 18 years. I remember him as a kind and generous soul, and I'm truly grateful for our exchanges. I wish I could tell him how thankful I am to have been in his class, to have heard his music—music that has stayed with me all these years. I wish him nothing but the best, always, in his next chapter in the beyond. I hope he is surrounded by the most beautiful music wherever he is now and that he is at peace, wrapped in love and tranquility.

  • 04/12/2025

    Richard was a very patient and beloved teacher. I first met him through his Rock & Blues guitar class at Ohlone College. Richard introduced me to the world of classical guitar in his other guitar classes and gave me my first opportunities to teach other guitar students. I still benefit from his lessons many years later. I'll never forget Richard. RIP

  • 12/10/2024

    Richard was the coolest. So calm, talented and generous with his time. I adored my guitar classes in high school and still pull out his worksheets to practice with. What a wonderful guy. He will be missed by so many!

  • 12/08/2024

    Rich was my guitar teacher and a mentor to me and many of my friends. His senior recital at CSUH made me decide to study there. We had a good long call together a few years back. Life moves fast.

  • 12/08/2024

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Mr Kendrick. Mr Kendrick was my guitar instructor while I was in highschool. When he still taught out of Allegro. Web finger guitar master , Rest Well. Thank you for sharing your love of guitar.

  • 12/08/2024

    Thank you for your all your enthusiasm and encouragement Richard. You helped bring back my passion of playing guitar. RIP

  • 12/04/2024

    I went to school with Richard. He was a gentle giant. Always treated me well.

  • 12/04/2024

    Richard was my guitar teacher when I started at Ohlone in 1983. He was a great player and I'll always remember him fondly. RIP Rich.

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